January is National Blood Donation Month and the need for donors cannot be overstated. According to the American Red Cross, a person in the United States needs a blood transfusion every two seconds. It is reported that 1-in-3 people will need a blood transfusion at some point in their lives. Quite simply: Donation is essential to saving lives!

Although all blood is made of the same basic elements, the Red Cross explains that not all blood is alike. There are eight different types, which are determined by the presence or absence of certain antigens. Since some antigens can trigger a patient’s immune system to attack transfused blood, safe transfusions depend on careful blood typing and cross-matching. The blood type that is most in demand is O negative, the universal blood type. For example, it plays a critical role in trauma situations when a patient’s blood type is unknown because it can be immediately transfused as a short term solution. Blood isn’t just necessary for those suffering trauma. Patients that receive chemotherapy treatment, have sickle cell anemia, or received an organ transplant also rely on blood transfusions.

A constant supply of blood is crucial, especially since there isn’t a substitute for it. The only source of this precious, life-giving elixir is the generous donors. “Donating blood is one of the most powerful actions any human can take. Your donation will literally save someone’s life. It is that profound,” says Pat Michaels, manager of media and public relations for OneBlood, a not-for-profit, community-focused organization that works to provide safe, available, and affordable blood to hospitals and their patients. OneBlood serves more than 200 hospitals and health care facilities in Florida and parts of southern Georgia and Alabama. Strategically located laboratories and distribution centers throughout this region allow the organization to respond quickly to ever-changing needs.

OneBlood’s iconic Big Red Bus is one of few mobile donation centers in Florida that park in convenient locations to capture the maximum amount of donations. But the organization strives to make donation easier for both regular and first-time givers in other ways too. “We have a program called Target Your Type that empowers donors to learn about their blood type and give it a certain way,” Michaels shared. “Many of our career blood donors give platelets that directly impact cancer patients. These donors can give several times a month and understand the power they hold.”

OneBlood reports that out of the 39% of the population that is eligible to donate blood, only 5% do. Among other efforts, the organization works to increase this percentage by telling the stories of both donors and recipients.

Tom and Cyd Frank of Longwood can be considered super donors. Together, they’ve given more than 13 gallons of blood, instilled a passion for donation in their children, and celebrated their 30^th wedding anniversary by donating together, hand-in-hand. “I used to bring my youngest (child) in a stroller every time I gave. She just reached the eligible age but hasn’t given yet because her heart rate was too high,” Cyd explains. “I guess she was too nervous but she won’t give up because she, like us, understands how important her donation is for others.” Cyd says her family gives because they are blessed to be able to do so. “There are families whose loved ones are struggling to stay alive and my generosity just might save them. It is a priceless donation that I don’t have to write a check for.” The need has, in fact, hit close to home as the Frank’s say both a friend and relative have benefited from blood transfusions.

Survivor Ethan Wright knows the value of that donation all too well. The Lake Minneola High School student was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer, Ewing Sarcoma, in 2013. That summer he began his treatment, regularly receiving blood transfusions and platelets as each round of chemotherapy could not begin until Ethan met certain blood levels.

“We learned first-hand the importance of blood donations at this critical stage,” proclaimed Colleen Wright, Ethan’s mom. “We held a blood drive and encouraged others in the area to do the same through Ethan’s Facebook page, Yellow For Ethan.” Ethan underwent surgery and finished treatment in February 2014. “Little did we know that Ethan’s journey was not done,” Colleen says. In July 2014, Ethan discovered he had developed myelodysplastic syndrome, a blood disorder that, if left untreated, would lead to leukemia. The only cure was a bone marrow transplant.

“We met with a team of doctors and BeTheMatch.org to find a bone marrow donor for Ethan and he had his bone marrow transplant on November 14, 2014.” Throughout the transplant process, Ethan received hundreds of units of platelets and red blood cells transfusions until his body was able to produce enough on its own. “We just celebrated his one year re-birthday and urge everyone to give blood and thank all those who do. You saved our son’s life!”

Donors may not realize that they also impact their own health too. According to studies published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, blood donors are 88% less likely to suffer a heart attack and 33% less likely to suffer any type of cardiovascular event. Why? One theory is that iron has a significant impact on atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and you can remove 225─250 milligrams of iron from your system through blood donation which decreases cardiovascular risk. Plus, centers provide a free mini-physical and monitor blood pressure and cholesterol. Learn more at OneBlood.org.

Blood Donation Basics

• To donate blood, you must be in good health, at least 16 years of age (minors need a completed and signed Parental Consent Form), and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds.
• You may feel a slight sting as your donation begins (lasting only seconds), but there should be no discomfort.
• The body contains 10-12 pints of blood. A typically blood donation equates to approximately one pint.
• A donation takes about 5-10 minutes. The entire process, from registration to post-donation refreshments, is about one hour.
• Be sure to eat well at your regular mealtimes and drink plenty of fluids prior to donation.
• You may donate blood once every 56 days, which allows plenty of time for red cells to replenish.
• To locate a donation center or Big Red Bus, visit OneBlood.org/Locations.